From the time one awakens until one closes eyes is rest, you mentally make choice which dictate your daily activities. Explaining the quality of those decisions was the choice made in the homily by the Rev. Wally Schievelbein, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran, on the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.

Life is dictated by choices. How many are made in a day? How many are good ones? How many choices should be amended or changed?

As Christians we all make choices. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus does not agree with Martha in being concerned about her sister Mary’s behavior. Martha is rushing around, getting organized, clearing away clutter, setting the table and preparing special food for Jesus, their honored guest. As Martha is overwhelmed by all that needs to be done, she is thinking to herself, “Why in heaven’s name is my sister Mary just sitting there? Doesn’t she see what needs to be done?”

Jesus, however, does not indicate agreement with Martha but simply stated that Mary had made the better choice. Mary choose to sit at the Lord’s feet and listen to what he was saying. Jesus is not putting Martha down for what she is doing. He simply uses this situation to emphasize that some things, which may seem essential at the time, are not as important as hearing from the Word about the kingdom of God.

Stress and concern about future happenings distract us from listening to the Word of the Lord. How many times has a congregational member lost touch with the message given in the homily by thinking ahead of what will need to be done? The mind chooses to wander off on divergent paths of scheduled happenings. Like Mary, do not allow yourself to miss the opportunity of honor God. We have the choice to spread the good news and the choice can not be taken from us.

Good Shepherd Lutheran located at 590 West State Highway 72 in Kenedy remains the sanctuary where all can worship in fellowship. Whether you attend the Contemporary Service at 8:30 a.m., the Adult Sunday School at 9:45 or the Traditional Service at 10:45 a.m., Pastor Wally and the congregation encourage your attendance.